Damn Good Chili Recipe

Introduction

If you’re searching for a hearty, rich, and truly satisfying chili recipe, look no further. The “Damn Good Chili” recipe brings the perfect balance of flavors, spices, and textures to your table. It’s an all-time favorite that offers comfort for cold days, game nights, or family gatherings. This chili is endlessly versatile, meaning you can tweak it to fit your preferences while staying true to its robust and savory essence.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Ground beef

2 pounds

Chopped onions

2 medium-sized

Garlic cloves (minced)

4 cloves

Canned crushed tomatoes

1 (28 ounce) can

Tomato paste

2 tablespoons

Kidney beans

2 cans, drained and rinsed

Beef broth

1 ½ cups

Chili powder

3 tablespoons

Ground cumin

1 tablespoon

Paprika

1 teaspoon

Cayenne pepper

Optional, to taste

Salt and black pepper

To taste

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Optional toppings

Cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, fresh jalapeños

Prep Time

The preparation time for this chili is quick and manageable, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. From chopping your veggies to gathering all your ingredients, you’ll need about 15 minutes of prep work. Everything comes together seamlessly in a single pot for minimal cleanup.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time

This recipe requires a cooking time of approximately 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully together.

Total Time

Including prep, you’ll invest around 1 hour and 15 minutes to craft this mouthwatering chili.

Yield

The recipe serves 6 to 8 portions, making it perfect for a crowd or for leftovers that only get better the next day.

Enjoy the rich, spicy, and perfectly seasoned “Damn Good Chili”!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Place them aside. Prepare the ground beef by ensuring it’s ready for cooking and properly thawed if previously frozen.

Step 2: Cook the Onions and Garlic

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute, ensuring not to burn it.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Cook thoroughly until the beef is browned and no pink remains, roughly 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Spices

Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and paprika into the pot with the beef. Stir thoroughly to blend the spices evenly with the meat mixture.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Liquids

Pour the canned diced tomatoes and tomato paste into the pot. Stir to combine everything evenly. Then, add beef broth or water, depending on your choice, to create the chili’s base.

Step 6: Simmer the Mixture

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 7: Include Beans

Once the base has simmered, add rinsed and drained beans into the pot. Mix them thoroughly with the other ingredients.

Step 8: Adjust for Seasoning

Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste, and if desired, a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Step 9: Final Simmer and Cook

Allow the chili to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally during this time.

Step 10: Serve the Chili

Once cooked, ladle the chili into bowls for serving. Top with your preferred garnishes, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

Note 1: Spice Level

Adjust the spice level according to your preference by increasing or decreasing chili powder and cayenne pepper.

Note 2: Meat Options

Substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner alternative to ground beef.

Note 3: Vegetarian Option

For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans, lentils, or diced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

Note 4: Cooking Time

Allowing the chili to simmer longer enhances the flavors. If you have extra time, let it cook for up to an hour.

Note 5: Storage

Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Note 6: Freezing

Chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Note 7: Serving Suggestions

Chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a heartier meal. Add avocado slices or a squeeze of lime for freshness.

Cook Techniques

Brown the Meat

Browning the beef is critical for developing a rich, layered flavor in your chili. Use a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil, and ensure each piece of meat gains nice caramelization before continuing with other ingredients.

Cook the Vegetables

After browning the meat, sauté your onions, garlic, and other vegetables such as bell peppers in the same pot. This allows the flavors to deepen and incorporate any leftover bits from the browning process.

Build the Base

Add your tomato paste, spices, and liquids to the sautéed vegetables to create a robust base for your chili. Stir well to ensure all ingredients blend perfectly.

Simmer Low and Slow

For the best chili, allow it to simmer at low heat for an extended period. This step allows the spices and flavors to meld together, enhancing the chili’s overall taste and texture.

Season as Needed

Taste the chili as it cooks, adjusting seasoning such as salt, pepper, or spices to suit your flavor preferences.

FAQ

How can I adjust the heat level?

You can control the heat in your chili by adding more or fewer chili peppers or chili powder. For a spicier version, include jalapeños or similar chilies. For milder chili, reduce these ingredients and add a little sugar to balance any residual spice.

What type of beef works best for chili?

While ground beef is commonly used, you can also use cubed chuck roast or brisket for a heartier texture. Make sure to brown the beef for a flavorful outcome.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, chili tastes even better when the flavors have time to meld. Prepare the dish a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it on the stove before serving.

Can I use other types of beans?

Absolutely! You can substitute or mix different beans such as black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans depending on your preference.

How do I thicken my chili?

If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering uncovered to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the chili.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with plant-based protein options like tofu crumbles, tempeh, or additional beans. Use vegetable broth as the base instead of beef broth.

What toppings work best with chili?

Great toppings for chili include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, and a squeeze of lime. Cornbread or tortilla chips on the side also make excellent pairings.

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Conclusion

This chili recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser, packing bold flavors and a satisfying mix of textures. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any day when you’re craving a warm, hearty meal. With its combination of spices and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite staple in your recipe collection.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Classic Beef Stew

Try a classic beef stew for another hearty and comforting meal option. It’s perfect for cooler days and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.

Homemade Cornbread

Make some homemade cornbread to complement your chili. The sweet, buttery flavors balance the spice and richness of the chili.

Loaded Nachos

Use the chili as a topping for loaded nachos. Add some cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, and guacamole for a crispy, savory treat.

Baked Potatoes with Chili

Top a baked potato with a generous ladle of chili. Add your favorite toppings like cheese, green onions, and sour cream for a filling meal.

Chili Mac and Cheese

Combine your chili with macaroni and cheese for a hearty, flavorful twist on two classic comfort foods.

Chili Stuffed Bell Peppers

Fill bell peppers with chili, top with cheese, and bake for an easy, flavorful, and healthy meal option.

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